How to Clean the Inside of a Microwave?
The microwave is one of the hardest-working appliances in the American kitchen. From reheating morning coffee to preparing quick family dinners, it sees constant action. However, because it is often tucked away at eye level or built into cabinetry, the interior grime is “out of sight, out of mind” until odors or stubborn stains become impossible to ignore.
At Jama Cleaning, we know that a truly clean home involves detailing the hidden corners of your appliances. Here is the professional guide to restoring the interior of your microwave to a like-new condition.
Why the Inside of a Microwave Gets Dirty
It doesn’t take long for a pristine microwave to become a graveyard of past meals. Understanding the mechanics of microwave grime helps in choosing the right cleaning approach.
Food Splatter and Steam
When food is heated, molecules vibrate rapidly, causing steam and internal pressure. Without a cover, sauces—especially tomato-based or oily ones—can “explode” or splatter onto the ceiling and walls of the unit. The high heat then “bakes” these particles onto the surface, creating a hard, plastic-like bond that traditional wiping cannot break.
Odor Buildup
Microwaves are enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. When food particles are left behind, they continue to be “re-cooked” every time you use the machine. This leads to lingering smells—like burnt popcorn, fish, or old spices—that can actually permeate other foods you are heating up. Over time, bacteria can thrive in the moist, warm environment created by residual steam.
Step-by-Step Microwave Interior Cleaning
The most effective way to clean a microwave isn’t through heavy scrubbing; it’s through the power of steam.
The Steam Method
This is the professional secret to effortless cleaning. Instead of scraping, let moisture do the work for you.
- Prepare the Solution: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water. Add two tablespoons of white vinegar or slices of a fresh lemon.
- Heat: Place the bowl inside and run the microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the window is completely fogged up.
- The “Sit” Period: This is the most important step. Do not open the door immediately. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes. The trapped steam will penetrate and loosen the hardened food particles.
Wiping and Drying
- Remove the Turntable: Carefully take out the glass plate and the rotating ring. These can usually be washed in the sink with warm, soapy water or placed in the dishwasher.
- Interior Wipe-Down: Use a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge to wipe the ceiling first, then the sides, and finally the floor. The grime should slide right off.
- Detail the Door: Don’t forget the rubber gasket and the inside of the door window. Grease often accumulates here, preventing a proper seal.
- Dry: Use a fresh, dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture to prevent streaks and water spots.
Removing Tough, Burnt-On Food
Sometimes, a simple steam isn’t enough for those “caked-on” disasters that have been there for weeks.
Baking Soda Paste
For dark, burnt spots on the floor of the microwave, baking soda is your best friend.
- Mix two parts baking soda with one part water to create a thick paste.
- Apply the paste directly to the burnt areas and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Baking soda is a mild abrasive that breaks down the carbonized food without scratching the microwave’s interior coating. Wipe away with a damp cloth.
Repeat Steam Treatment
If the microwave hasn’t been cleaned in months, you might need a second round of steam. For the second round, add a drop of grease-cutting dish soap to the water bowl. The soapy steam helps break down heavy grease films more effectively.
FAQs
How often should you clean the inside of a microwave?
For a standard household, a deep clean should be performed once a week. However, you should wipe up visible splatters immediately after they happen to prevent them from hardening.
Is it safe to use vinegar?
Yes! White vinegar is one of the safest and most effective natural cleaners for microwaves. It cuts through grease and neutralizes odors without leaving behind toxic chemical residues that could transfer to your food.
Can professionals clean appliances?
Absolutely. Most high-quality cleaning services include a basic microwave wipe-down in their standard packages. However, for a deep-clean restoration of all your kitchen appliances (oven, fridge, and microwave), you can request a specialized deep-cleaning add-on.
Experience a Truly Clean Kitchen with Jama Cleaning
Cleaning the microwave is just one small part of maintaining a healthy, sparkling home. If you would rather spend your weekends enjoying your time instead of scrubbing splatters, let the experts handle it. Jama Cleaning provides top-tier, reliable cleaning services designed to meet the high standards of American households.
Ready for a spotless home? Click here to get your free quote from Jama Cleaning today!
